Sleepy Orange Butterfly(Eurema nicippe)

Photo by permission of Bill Horn

Seasons in Walnut Creek: Summer, spring, fall; adults may be found year-round in deep South

The Sleepy Orange Butterfly is native to North Carolina. It is found locally in Durham County, Orange County, and Wake County. This little butterfly was named because of the dots on the front of the wing, which look like closed, sleepy eyes. On a bright summerís day, the Sleepy Orange Butterfly can barely be seen in pure daylight because the bright yellow practically blends in with the sunlight.

Key Field Marks:

Top of wings are orange

Forewing has small, black cell spot

Male - defined black borders on the edge of wings

Female - undefined black borders

Bottom of wings red, brown, or tan in winter and orange-yellow in summer